After the match, all the people at the hall are satisfied with the performances of the night, except for a visibly upset person; Sendou, expecting Ippo to win, is angry at the fact that someone defeated the only fighter who has defeated him. In his bad mood, he has an encounter with Volg where they almost get into a fight, as the latter is upset as well.

Fujii explains to his partner that Date will be challenging the world, and vacating his title so that the new generation of featherweights take control. He says the title match will be between third ranked Volg an second ranked Sendou, but is interrupted when he sees someone going into the elevator. The person is revealed to be Miyata Ichirou who has returned to Japan, and is hoping Ippo to come back stronger than before.

Aoki and Kimura beg Takamura to consider Ippo's feelings and not say what he usually does in these situations. Takamura promises to not make fun of Ippo, but Aoki and Kimura are ready to stop him when he does anyway. When Takamura meets Ippo, he congratulates him, surprising everyone. But immediately after, uses their reactions as an excuse to humiliate Ippo, and they kick him out of the room. Ippo states that it is OK, as that is more like him anyways. Kamogawa apologizes to Ippo, but Ippo apologizes as well, and thanks him for the coaching. He also begs him to keep watching over him from then on.